Local elected officials speak out to landmark Theatre 80 ahead of auction

Local City Councilmember Carlina Rivera, Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine have asked the city to landmark the historic Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place ahead of the planned auction on May 9. 

According to Village Preservation, which is spearheading this campaign: 

Landmarking will save the building from destruction, but won't save the beloved theatre and other cultural institutions within. We have also asked elected officials and the entire public to join Theatre 80 in calling upon the city to intervene and acquire the building and establish a permanent home for Theatre 80 there.

In the letter to Mayor Adams and Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll, the elected officials write: 

For years, our offices have advocated for this beloved cultural institution and piece of New York history to remain. Currently, it is in danger of being lost to real estate speculation that is plaguing many neighborhoods in our city, especially the East Village. A landmark designation for these buildings will honor the legacy of artists and immigration in the East Village, as well as protect this important cultural institution for today’s audiences and future generations. 

Find the full letter here.

As previously reported, owners Lorcan and Genie Otway have been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses Theatre 80, a 199-seat theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. (Lorcan had lived here since age 9 when his father bought the buildings to create an Off-Broadway theater in 1964.)

The two-building property is set to be sold off to satisfy a $12 million loan that is in default via Maverick Real Estate Partners. (Our previous posts here and here have more background.)

Bidders for the property, which includes several residences on the upper floors, must register by May 8 and supply a cashier's check for $950,000 payable to a Chapter 7 trustee.